New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Preview, 1st T20I

New Zealand (NZ) will host Sri Lanka (SL) for a three-match T20I series, starting on Saturday, December 28, at the Bay Oval, in Mount Maunganui. The visitors played a couple of warm-up games against New Zealand XI ahead of the T20I series, in which, the Charith Asalanka-led side played some brilliant cricket and also batted with an aggressive intent, which has become the need of the hour. Pathum Nissanka has looked in good touch in the second game, while Wanindu Hasaranga made a mark in the first game.

The BlackCaps meanwhile rested several of their senior cricketers. Players such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Mark Chapman among others will be missing the series as Mitchell Santner has been appointed as the captain. On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson is yet to recover from a calf injury and Finn Allen is currently playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.

NZ vs SL Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at Mount Bay will produce a fair contest between the batters and the bowlers. The pacers are likely to be effective early on but as soon as the game progresses, the batters can take charge and make a difference. Bowling first will be ideal.

Also Check: Most runs in the series

NZ vs SL Probable Predicted XIs

New Zealand:

Playing XI: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith.

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.